Hinduism:

Origins:  Hinduism is one the oldest religions on the planet that can date traces of its origins to 3000 BCE and has a deeply rooted history in India.  To fully understand the history and origins of Hinduism, one must look to the ancient Indus River Valley civilizations.  Its long and complex history blends together ancient practices and beliefs from Aryan and Indic peoples.  The caste system, or social hierarchy, was believed to have come from the Aryans and is now deeply embedded in Hindu faith.  Worship rituals have also blended the Aryan and Indic traditions leading to rituals centered on nature and heavenly beings (gods). 

The Triumvirate of the God(s):

Brahma-the creator of the universe.  He is portrayed as a man with four heads, representing the four Vedas or holy texts, of the Hindu faith.  He is the least worshiped god of the Hindu triumvirate today.

 

Vishnu- the preserver and protector of the universe.  He returns to the earth during hard and trouble times to restore the balance between good and evil.  Vishnu is often pictured as a four armed blue man.  In each hand he carries a different object:

• The conch-when sounded produced the ‘Om’ representing the sound of creation.
• The Chakra (discus)-symbolizes the mind.
• The lotus flower-example of glorious or divine existence.
• The mace-represents mental and physical strength.  

Shiva-the destroyer of the universe.  He is believed to destroy the imperfections of the world in order to create positive change.  He is seen as a source of both good and evil and combines many contradictory elements.  Shiva is often portrayed as a man, with a blue face and neck, and a white body.  He also has a third eye, which represents wisdom and insight, and a cobra necklace, which represents his power over the most dangerous creatures in the universe.  Lastly, Shiva has a three-pronged trident, representing the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate. 

 
Hindu Facts:

• The term “Aryan” is a Sanskrit word that means “noble” and has been misused by many throughout history.
  

• Hinduism originated in India and has a strict caste system.
  

• Hindus believe in reincarnation based on karma.